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When officers forced entry through a fire escape into the building, they discovered a cannabis factory with two large Portacabins housing nearly 300 mature plants as well as an irrigation system and water tanks.

CCTV cameras were also set up around the building and officers found they were connected to a broadband router streaming live images.

What the inside of the factory looked like (Image: BTP)

As the premises were being searched, Karzhev, 44, rang Network Rail asking why people were in his rented building.

He had seen the officers in the factory on streamed CCTV.

A full search of the premises led officers to the discovery of nearly 8kg of cannabis with a street value of more than £76,000.

When interviewed, Karzhev claimed he had sub-rented the property and was unaware that the drug factory existed.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ian Grice said: “Despite Karzhev’s best efforts to run a cannabis factory from under Sheffield station, a safety check uncovered his illicit operation and has now landed him with a lengthy jail term.”